From Diagnosis to Dunking: A Warrior’s Guide to Thriving with Autoimmune Disease
Karin W
September 22, 2025
Living with an autoimmune condition in your twenties and thirties hits different.
While your peers are focused on career launches, travel adventures, and social media highlights, you’re navigating a complex reality of chronic illness that most people your age can’t even comprehend.
But here’s what Brian Ung, a millennial living with both scleroderma and lupus nephritis, wants you to know: you’re stronger than you think, and you’re definitely not alone.
The Reality Check: Why Hiding Doesn’t Work
Brian’s journey started like many of ours do – with denial. Diagnosed with scleroderma at 21, fresh out of college, he kept his condition completely hidden from friends and coworkers. Sound familiar?
“I felt like I was partly in denial of it because I was like, my friends are not dealing with these things. I don’t really have to deal with it too,” Brian shared on the Invisible Strength podcast. “So I kind of just stored it away and I didn’t talk about it with my friends.”
The problem with the “fake it till you make it” approach? It doesn’t actually make anything better.
When Brian was diagnosed with lupus nephritis ten years later, he realized that isolation had only made his first diagnosis harder to handle.
The Workplace Dilemma: To Tell or Not to Tell?
Let’s address the elephant in the room that keeps us up at night: Should you tell your boss about your autoimmune condition? Brian’s approach might surprise you.
Despite the risk of potential discrimination, he’s chosen transparency.
When switching jobs, he tells hiring managers about his health conditions once he’s confident about taking the position. His reasoning?
“I’ve had cases where things will happen and I’ll need to go to the hospital or I can’t do the same work as I was doing the day before. So I really felt like giving people the heads up.”
This isn’t the right choice for everyone – workplace cultures vary dramatically, and legal protections don’t always translate to real-world safety.
But Brian’s experience highlights something important: when we educate our colleagues about our conditions before a crisis hits, we’re not dropping a bomb during our most vulnerable moments.
Redefining Masculinity in Chronic Illness
Brian’s story touches on something that’s rarely discussed openly: how chronic illness intersects with gender expectations, particularly for men.
Growing up in an Asian household where emotional discussions weren’t common, combined with typical male socialization around health, created a perfect storm of silence.
The result? Years of suffering alone when community support could have made all the difference.
For anyone struggling with these cultural and gender dynamics: your vulnerability isn’t weakness. Seeking help isn’t failure. And talking about your health challenges doesn’t diminish your strength – it reveals it.
The Game-Changer: Finding Your People
The turning point in Brian’s journey came when he connected with the lupus community. Attending support groups and joining patient advocacy efforts transformed his experience from isolation to empowerment.
“You’re not alone and you don’t have to be alone,” Brian emphasizes. “Reach out, attend a support group. The first one might not be the one for you, but try another one. Reach out to us on social media.”
This generation gets it – we’re already building communities online around everything from career pivots to mental health. Why should chronic illness be any different?
The Holistic Approach That Actually Works
Despite his pharmaceutical industry background, Brian doesn’t view medication as the complete solution. His approach combines:
Medical treatment (working closely with specialists)
Quality sleep (prioritizing rest despite being a light sleeper)
Nutrition (recognizing food as medicine)
Physical activity (adapted to current capacity)
Mental health support (therapy and support groups)
Community connection (patient advocacy and fundraising)
The key insight? There’s no single silver bullet, but the combination of approaches can be transformative.
Redefining Success: Small Wins Matter
When you’re dealing with an unpredictable condition, traditional goal-setting can feel impossible. Brian’s solution? Celebrate the small victories.
Can’t do your usual workout? Taking the dog out counts. Stuck in bed? Doing some light chores is still an accomplishment. The point isn’t to lower standards – it’s to recognize that progress looks different when you’re managing chronic illness.
And sometimes? You achieve things you never thought possible. Brian recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of dunking a basketball – a reminder that our conditions don’t define our limits.
The Future Looks Brighter Than You Think
For those keeping track of medical advances, Brian highlights CAR-T cell therapy as a particularly promising development.
These treatments use your own immune system to target problematic cells, and early results in autoimmune conditions are encouraging.
“The science of healthcare has never been better,” Brian notes, even while acknowledging that healthcare delivery in the US remains problematic.
For a generation that’s witnessed rapid technological advancement, this offers genuine hope for better treatments in our lifetime.
Your UNGstoppable Mindset
Brian chose “Ungstoppable” as his social media handle for a reason.
“I might have some setbacks, might have some days where I’m not feeling good or I’m in the hospital. But I won’t be stopped. This won’t be the end. I’m going to keep going, whatever that is, even if it’s just an inch a day.”
This isn’t toxic positivity – it’s realistic resilience. It’s acknowledging that some days will be harder than others while maintaining agency over your response to those challenges.
The Bottom Line
Your autoimmune condition is part of your story, but it’s not the whole story. You’re navigating challenges that most of your peers can’t imagine, and that takes incredible strength. You deserve support, community, and hope for the future.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your journey, remember: you’re not just surviving with chronic illness – you have the potential to thrive.
The key is finding the right combination of medical care, lifestyle strategies, community support, and mindset that works for you.
And if you’re feeling alone right now?
Our community has been there and understand exactly what you’re going through.
We’re ready to help you discover just how unstoppable you really are. Join our waitlist for our new group workshop to help you:
Process your diagnosis and acknowledge the changes it brings.
Connect with others who’ve been there through shared stories, community, and understanding.
Rebuild your life with practical tools, energy-optimizing routines, and small, impactful changes.
Dance on, friends, Karin
P.S. If you live with an autoimmune condition or love someone who does, know this: You’re not alone. Get in touch with us – we’d love to connect!
Disclaimer: These tools do not replace the advice of a health care professional; if you have concerns about your health, please consult a health care professional.
From D1 Athlete to Autoimmune Warrior: Misty’s Journey of Resilience and Redefining Strength
Karin W
August 18, 2025
When you’ve trained your whole life to push your body to the limit, listening when it says “stop” doesn’t come naturally.
For Misty, a former Division 1 field hockey player turned elite coach, the journey from peak performance to living with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis has been one of resilience, self-discovery, and redefining what strength really means.
Ignoring the Red Flags
Looking back, Misty admits her body was signaling trouble long before her diagnosis.
Hair loss at 20, unexplained fatigue, and repeated “mono” misdiagnoses were dismissed as normal stressors of college athletics and academics.
Like many athletes, she rationalized every symptom—until her body forced her to stop.
“I was training for a marathon when everything went sideways. My body just quit,” she recalls. “I thought I was having an allergic reaction. My throat closed, my legs gave out. It was terrifying.”
Advocate for yourself in medical appointments. If you don’t feel heard, push back or seek another doctor.
The Betrayal of the Body
For an athlete whose identity was built on physical ability, losing control of her legs was devastating.
“Field hockey was my craft. To suddenly not be able to demonstrate skills for my players—it felt like my body betrayed me.”
And yet, that sense of betrayal eventually transformed into gratitude.
Misty vividly remembers sobbing on the side of the road one Halloween, convinced she’d never walk through a pumpkin patch with her son.
Today, even on difficult days, she grounds herself in gratitude: “If I can laugh with my kids at night, that’s a successful day.”
Redefining Success
For Misty, success used to mean winning, medals, and relentless drive. Now, it means balance, boundaries, and perspective.
“I sprint, then I rest. I force breaks into my day. I’d rather have giggles with my kids than a clean house or a perfect dinner.”
She applies the same philosophy in her coaching.
While she still pushes her athletes to sharpen their skills, she also emphasizes mental health and perspective:
“I wish someone had told me it was okay to just take up space without the medals and the crowns. That’s the message I want to give my players: your worth isn’t tied to performance.”
Takeaways:
Create flexible definitions of success (e.g., finishing a light workout, enjoying practice, being present with loved ones).
Recognize that rest is a form of training.
Celebrate consistency, not just peak performance.
Breaking the Myths of Autoimmune Disease
One of the biggest lessons Misty wants other athletes to know is that appearance doesn’t equal health.
At her sickest, weighing just 102 pounds, people told her she looked “great.” In reality, her body was eating itself.
“Weight has nothing to do with performance. Your body is a gift, no matter what it looks like. What matters is how you manage your energy—your spoons—and whether your goals are worth the risk.”
Takeaways:
Health is not defined by weight or appearance.
Focus on function: energy levels, recovery, and performance—not aesthetics.
Strength is about resilience, not body type.
👉 “Your body is a gift. It doesn’t need to look a certain way to perform.”
Finding Invisible Strength
Through setbacks, diagnoses, and loss, Misty has found strength not in powering through but in adapting, slowing down, and embracing gratitude.
“My oldest sister passed away. My younger sister is battling cancer. I live with lupus and RA. But I wake up knowing how lucky I am. I’ve been through hell and I’m still here—and that perspective changes everything.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that invisible strength isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing when to rest, when to fight, and how to find joy in the small moments.
Dance on, friends, Karin
P.S. If you live with an autoimmune condition or love someone who does, know this: You’re not alone.
P.S.S. Subscribe to our blog and podcast for more inspiring stories and practical strategies from real warriors like Misty.
Disclaimer: These tools do not replace the advice of a health care professional; if you have concerns about your health, please consult a health care professional.
This page may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Maya Rogers: Turning Lupus Battles into Beauty, Purpose, and Power
Karin W
August 11, 2025
When you first meet Maya Rogers, you notice her energy — the kind that says “I’ve been through it, but I’m still here shining.”
She’s a former standout softball player at Harris-Stowe State University, now coaching high school athletes.
She’s earning her master’s at Morehouse School of Medicine.
She’s the founder of Mocha Beauty, a brand specializing in organic wigs, facials, and hair products designed with chronic illness warriors in mind.
And through it all, she’s navigating life with lupus — an unpredictable, invisible autoimmune disease that took six years to diagnose.
From “Allergic to the City” to an Actual Diagnosis
At 16, Maya started noticing strange symptoms: painful rashes on her elbows during volleyball, unexplained swelling, and flare-ups that got worse in the sun.
In college, her skin would break out, her hair would fall out, and fatigue hit hard.
“I honestly thought I was allergic to the city I was in,” she laughs now. “But it was lupus all along.”
-Maya Rogers, Lupus Warrior
It wasn’t until after graduation that a rheumatologist finally confirmed the diagnosis: systemic lupus — a disease that attacks healthy tissues and organs.
Finding Purpose in the Middle of Pain
Like many of us in Gen Z and Millennial circles who juggle side hustles, school, and dreams, Maya didn’t wait for perfect circumstances to take action.
During COVID shutdowns, she turned her passion for hair and skincare into Mocha Beauty.
Every product is organic, inspired by her own battles with hair loss and skin issues caused by lupus and psoriasis.
“It was slow, jobs were closed, and I had to make money somehow,” she says. “I started braiding hair, taking lash courses, and creating products that actually work for people like me.”
Redefining Success — One Small Win at a Time
For Maya, success isn’t about massive milestones anymore.
“Now, success is the little things,” she says. “Like when my softball players finally get a drill right, or when I knock out my school lectures before the deadline. I give myself grace. I get things done when I can — and that’s enough.”
The Everyday Habits That Keep Her Thriving
Maya’s daily health playbook is simple but powerful:
Fruits first – “Fruit takes my flares from 100 to 15%. It’s my go-to.”
Hydration always – Water before bed, water upon waking.
Organic living – From apple cider vinegar shots to ginger root and Epsom salt baths.
Trigger awareness – No red meat or pork, minimal dairy.
And maybe the most important? Protecting her energy. “I used to be hot-tempered. Now I live calmer. Junk food and stress make me feel worse, so I let both go.”
Her Advice for Young Chronic Illness Warriors
“Live like it’s not there,” Maya says. “We know we have a condition that may never go away, but don’t let it take away your life. Do as much as you were doing before you knew you had it.”
Her biggest wish? That people would extend more grace to those with invisible illnesses.
“You might see me looking fine today, but tomorrow I could be in bed, and I can’t even tell you why. This is a physical, mental, and spiritual battle.”
Big Dreams on the Horizon
Maya plans to apply to medical school, with her sights set on dermatology or cardiology, and a vision to build a three-story Mocha Beauty Dream Lounge — a place where she can see patients upstairs, run a salon downstairs, and offer a cozy community space in between.
She’ll keep coaching, keep building, and keep proving that unseen doesn’t mean unstoppable.
If you’re navigating chronic illness, Maya’s story is a reminder:
✅Your condition doesn’t define you. ✅Your dreams are still valid. ✅And your invisible strength might just inspire the world.
P.S. If you live with an autoimmune condition or love someone who does, know this: You’re not alone.
Subscribe to our blog and podcast for more inspiring stories and practical strategies from real warriors like Courtney.
Disclaimer: These tools do not replace the advice of a health care professional; if you have concerns about your health, please consult a health care professional.
This page may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Ultimate Guide for Thriving as an Autoimmune Warrior: Embracing the Spring of Renewal
Karin W
January 17, 2024
A Season of Renewal for Autoimmune Warriors
As the vibrant season of March unfolds, bringing longer days and the fresh promise of spring, it’s time to shift our focus from fleeting New Year resolutions to the pursuit of meaningful, enjoyable goals and habits.
This is especially crucial for those of us navigating the complexities of autoimmune diseases.
The Essence of Goal Setting: Beyond the Checklist
The Power of Goals: Goals aren’t merely tasks to check off a list; they are the blueprint for our desired future, offering a sense of purpose and excitement. They guide us toward the person we aspire to be, acting as a compass in a world of distractions and challenges.
The Science of Goal-Setting: Research underscores the significance of clear, well-defined goals in enhancing mental health and fostering life satisfaction. By setting goals, we give ourselves a target, a reason to push forward even when the journey gets tough.
Emotional Resonance: The Heartbeat of Our Goals
Adding Emotion to SMART Goals: While SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) provide a solid framework, they often lack emotional depth. To commit to our goals, they must resonate with us emotionally, inspiring action and dedication.
The Wisdom of Emotions: Drawing from the teachings of Buddha and insights from Brett Blumenthal’s “52 Small Changes for the Mind,” we learn that emotions are the fuel for our actions. Goals that excite and motivate us are the ones we’re more likely to pursue with vigor.
The Spring Reset: A Time for New Beginnings
Embracing the Season of Growth: March offers a natural opportunity for a fresh start, encouraging us to shed old habits and embrace new, healthier ones.
This season of renewal invites us to redefine our identities and goals, stepping into a version of ourselves that aligns with our aspirations.
The Liberation of Change: Transitioning to new habits can be daunting but essential for growth. This spring, let’s challenge ourselves to cross the line into new territories, embracing the discomfort of change as a pathway to transformation.
Failure: The Foundation of Resilience
Redefining Failure: Failure is often seen as a setback in a culture obsessed with success. However, for autoimmune warriors, failure is a stepping stone to resilience, teaching us valuable lessons and strengthening our ability to bounce back.
The Role of Resilience: Studies on resilience in chronic illness highlight its importance in coping with health challenges. We cultivate the resilience to face any obstacle by embracing and learning from our failures.
Marching Forward: Setting Resonant Goals
As we welcome the spring season, let’s embrace the opportunity to set goals that truly matter to us.
It’s about envisioning a future that excites us, where every step forward is a step toward becoming the incredible individuals we’re destined to be.
Let’s celebrate this season of growth, joy, and resilience, armed with the knowledge that we can overcome any challenge.
Dance on, Autoimmune Warriors, Karin
Sources
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practical theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705–717.
Richardson, G. E. (2002). The metatheory of resilience and resiliency. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(3), 307–321.
Blumenthal, B. (2015). 52 Small Changes for the Mind. Chronicle Books.
It’s been 15 years since I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which primarily manifested itself with debilitating arthritis and organ complications. My path has been challenging (sometimes at my own doing ;-), but it’s been incredibly fulfilling once I embraced my journey with an autoimmune disease.
I’ve gone through periods where I took my medication but flat-out ignored self-care and ruthlessly pushed through an overcommitted schedule. I sent emails from my hospital bed post-total-knee-replacement surgery. Not smart. That only works for so long before illness catches up with you. And mine certainly did.
Thank God.
Lupus has changed my life, and I’m grateful to be able to share the information and insights I’ve learned over the past 15 years, which have helped me navigate the challenges of living with Lupus and transformed my life profoundly. While they may not all resonate with you now, I encourage you to stay curious. My life changed when I got curious.
1. Have Faith.
I got a text from a friend to go on a ski trip. I declined because I was hooked up to an IV in the ICU, receiving blood thinners to dissipate the extensive blood clots in my lungs.
At 23 years old, I felt like the world was passing me by as I stared out my hospital window, losing hope that I would not get to participate in life the way I envisioned. The stark contrast between my friends’ vibrant adventures and my hospital view left me feeling robbed of the life I had anticipated.
I want to say it was in that hospital room I leaned into my faith, but instead, I pulled away, grappling with the unfairness of my situation. However, my persistence shone through as I clung to positivity, celebrated small victories, and embraced gratitude. This persistence birthed profound thankfulness for the present moment and a renewed hope for the future.
Hindsight gifted me the realization of my sheer fortune to be alive, a perspective I had lost in the throes of despair. Whether you find solace in God, the universe, or another form of faith, opening yourself to its abundance becomes a beacon in the darkest hours.
It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, forging hope from adversity and discovering that, even in the hospital’s quiet, the pulse of life beats with profound gratitude and unwavering hope.
2. Get Clear on Your Purpose and Values.
Your purpose, or life’s mission, is your North Star. This guiding light helps you align your priorities with your evolving life circumstances. Your values act as guardrails, ensuring you stay on the right path even when life throws you off course.
When you’re faced with an autoimmune disease like Lupus, it can be easy to feel lost or overwhelmed by the weight of an intense chronic illness. That’s precisely why we need to get clear on our purpose. Purpose provides resilience.
Your North Star and values provide the resilience you need to keep moving forward. It’s not always straightforward; sometimes, these diseases can be downright brutal, but having a clear sense of purpose and values can help you find beauty and love even in the most challenging moments.
3. Get Thanking.
Expressing gratitude for the abundance in our lives is a gesture of appreciation and a powerful catalyst for personal growth. It is through this act of thankfulness that we find our true purpose.
When we concentrate on our journey’s “why” and “who,” we transition into profound gratitude; it’s a reminder that our pursuit of becoming the best version of ourselves is closely intertwined with the people who support and inspire us.
Gratitude fuels our desire to give back, and we find fulfillment most rewarding in serving others. It’s a beautiful cycle of self-improvement and selflessness that enriches our lives and those around us.
Fun Fact: When we practice gratitude, our bodies make immunoglobulins – our natural defense against viruses and bacteria – and our immune systems strengthen along with other health benefits!2
4. Self-Respect is Vital.
Early on in my autoimmune journey, my priorities were out of order. I was focusing on too many things, and because I was stretched too thin, I wasn’t being my best self at any of it, especially for my family. Naturally, insecurities, self-doubt, and guilt plagued my thoughts.
Thankfully, my close friends and mentors supported me through those dark times of self-doubt. Find people who will see the best in you, even when you can’t see it yourself.
But ultimately, it has to come from within. Restructuring my life to align with my values gave me the space to stand up for my family in a way I previously didn’t realize was possible with an autoimmune disease.
The values allowed me to cut out the chaos and be hyper-intentional about where and how I spend my time. When I structured my day and created routines aligned with my values, self-confidence and self-respect followed.
Knowing I’m striving daily to live by my values provides self-worth and love for myself and those around me. Journaling about my accomplishments has trained my brain to focus on the value I’m providing vs. the endless tasks I didn’t get to on my to-do list.
If you’re struggling with self-doubt, go back to lesson one 🙂
5. Failure is the Essential Ingredient for Growth.
In our success-driven culture, failure is often viewed as a stumbling block, a setback, or something to be avoided at all costs. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Failure is not a sign of weakness or incompetence but an essential ingredient for growth and personal development.
This is especially true when living with a chronic illness inherently involves facing adversity. Flare-ups, pain, and unpredictable symptoms can be disheartening and discouraging. Yet, it’s in these moments of struggle that resilience is forged. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, a quality that can be cultivated through experiencing and overcoming failure.
Failure is a potent teacher. Trying something that doesn’t work out as planned is an opportunity to gain new insights and knowledge. This newfound understanding can lead to more informed decisions and strategies for the future. In the realm of chronic illness, learning from failure can be life-changing.
For example, suppose you’ve experimented with a particular dietary approach to manage Lupus or another autoimmune disease, and it didn’t yield the expected results. In that case, it doesn’t mean the effort was in vain. It means you now have valuable information about what doesn’t work for you. This knowledge can guide you towards more effective solutions and a better understanding of your own body.
Failure tests your mettle and pushes you beyond your comfort zone. It forces you to adapt, learn, and persevere. In the context of autoimmune disease, a failed attempt at managing your symptoms or a setback in your treatment plan can be seen as an opportunity to learn about yourself, refine, and go again. Setbacks allow you to develop the resilience needed to face future challenges. Each failure is not a stumbling block but a stepping stone.
6. Orchestrate Your Life to Create a Symphony.
The saying, “If you don’t make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness,” resonates strongly with my journey. Like many, I was stubborn and pushed through the pain and fatigue.
It took a hospital stay for me to reevaluate my lifestyle and learn about epigenetics (definition), which taught me that we have more control over our health than we previously thought. Prioritizing wellness is an investment in your future well-being.
Wellness isn’t just about physical health; it’s about holistic well-being. For instance, getting enough sleep does more than give you more energy; adequate sleep (7-8 hours) can:
Boost your immune system and make vaccines more effective
Help prevent weight gain by repressing cravings and appetite
Strengthen your heart
Elevate your mood and reduce feelings of annoyance, irritant, and anger
Improves memory – how about that for brain fog!4
It’s more than just getting enough sleep or eating the right foods. Those actions that seem to have a singular effect on our health contribute to other aspects of our health.
While we tend to look at these health aspects in silos, it’s essential to consider a holistic approach. Practice each instrument, learn how their sounds interact, refine until we have music, and optimize until we have a symphony.
When you hear an off-tune sound, revisit the instrument. We’re continuously evolving; staying in tune is critical to creating beautiful music.
7. Stand Up Every Day: Persistence and Patience.
With autoimmune challenges, standing up every day transcends the physical act. Standing might be symbolic sometimes, finding alternative ways to engage with life and work towards your goals.
On days when physical limitations prevail, it’s a moment for gentle stretching or immersing yourself in an informative podcast.
Regardless of its form, this daily commitment becomes a testament to persistence and patience. It’s a declaration that you actively participate in your journey, no matter the circumstances.
By remaining engaged amidst autoimmune challenges, we anchor ourselves to our purpose and values, shielding ourselves against the encroaching shadows of hopelessness. Standing up embodies resilience in whatever manifestation is feasible on a given day.
Persisting and persevering through the unpredictability of autoimmune conditions is a marathon, not a sprint. We may not discern the tipping point where the tides turn, but the unwavering faith in its existence fuels the patience and fortitude needed to stand up every day.
No matter how small, each act propels us forward, reaffirming the journey is not just about reaching the destination but about the strength found in the daily steps and who we become in the process.
8. Making the Hard Choice Now Makes Life Easier for Your Future Self.
Making challenging choices today is an investment in a smoother, more fulfilling future. Whether it’s battling the allure of sugar, the endless scroll of social media, or the captivating abyss of Netflix, our vices can exert a powerful pull.
These distractions not only hinder productivity but can also derail our overall well-being.
Establishing routines and systems as a barrier against these temptations becomes crucial. Doing so reduces decision fatigue and creates an environment conducive to healthier choices.
It’s about recognizing that hard choices pave the way for a future where well-being is prioritized and distractions lose their grip. Implementing these structures is a form of self-care that echoes through time, making the journey toward a healthier and more focused self an achievable and sustainable endeavor.
The impact of autoimmune diseases ripples through the lives of those around us, touching family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Often, they bear the weight of these diseases with a unique kind of strength.
While we navigate the challenges firsthand, they find themselves on the sidelines, offering support and encouragement but feeling powerless. Living with an autoimmune condition becomes a shared journey, a test of patience not just for us but for our steadfast supporters as well.
Transparency about our diseases becomes a bridge, helping them comprehend our situations and offer more meaningful support.
To the friends and loved ones supporting individuals navigating autoimmune diseaseslike Lupus, your unwavering support, prayers, and positive vibes are like a lifeline, lifting us more than you may realize.
Your understanding is a source of strength, and your presence on this journey is profoundly appreciated. Thank you for standing by us, making the burden a little lighter, and being an integral part of our resilience.
10. Take Heat.
Taking heat and holding oneself accountable can be an uncomfortable journey, especially when faced with the blush of embarrassment. The instinct to retreat or hide is powerful, but it is precisely in these moments that growth and a life of integrity are forged. Accountability is the crucible in which our character is shaped, and while the path may be challenging, it is essential for personal development.
In the allegorical tale of YOU GOT THIS, KID! Leadership Advice for Young Leaders,3 the armadillo, Alex, symbolizes resilience with thick skin. This metaphorical armor is developed by understanding what truly matters.
When faced with challenges outside our comfort zone, revisiting our intentions and values becomes the wellspring of courage. For me, grappling with autoimmune disease has fortified my mission and strengthened my values, serving as a steadfast reminder that my purpose lies in serving and aiding others through unwavering integrity.
Family, the cornerstone of my support system, anchors me to what truly matters. Their presence reinforces my commitment to living a life aligned with my mission and values. It’s a challenging yet profoundly rewarding journey that fuels personal growth and ensures that the heat we face refines us rather than scalds us.
11. T.I.M.E. – Today Is My Everything1.
In the intricate tapestry of time, the present moment stands as the most precious thread—undeniably significant and profoundly impactful. Today is not just a day; it’s an embodiment of opportunities. T.I.M.E. is a poignant reminder to do everything with Intention, Mindfulness, and Engagement.
The past, a repository of memories, is unalterable. What lingers are the moments that stir our emotions, be it joy or sorrow. Meanwhile, the future remains a vast expanse of uncertainty, where studies suggest that a staggering 90% of our thoughts and worries never materialize5. By anchoring ourselves in the present, we liberate our minds from the shackles of an unpredictable future, allowing us to savor the beauty of the now.
This singular moment is our only guarantee—a canvas waiting for our purposeful strokes. Are we taking positive actions or succumbing to habits that might hinder our future selves?
Every positive step, like engaging with this post to learn about living with autoimmune diseases, is a stride toward progress. Focusing on the present provides the clarity and space to live intentionally, ensuring that each choice contributes to a purposeful and fulfilling journey.
12. Turn Off the Noise.
The constant barrage of stimuli. The digital age has given us unprecedented access to information and connectivity but has also brought a relentless wave of noise into our lives. From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, we’re bombarded with news updates, social media notifications, emails, television programs, and a never-ending music playlist.
While it may seem like we’re in control of this digital cacophony, the truth is that it often controls us. We find ourselves tethered to our devices, compulsively checking for updates, and perpetually distracted. This constant state of sensory overload can have detrimental effects on our mental and emotional well-being. For those of us living with chronic illnesses like Lupus, it can exacerbate stress and symptoms.
That’s where the concept of “turning off the noise” becomes not just a luxury but a necessity. Taking deliberate moments to disconnect from the chaos of the modern world can be incredibly healing, restorative, and therapeutic.
13. One Step at a Time.
When you’re living with a chronic illness, the journey ahead can feel daunting. Managing symptoms, making lifestyle adjustments, and coping with the emotional toll can make the road seem endless. At this point, the wisdom of taking one step at a time becomes invaluable. Breaking your journey down into manageable steps is not just a strategy; it’s a lifeline that can help you navigate the turbulent waters of chronic illness.
Life is full of complexities, and chronic illness introduces a unique set of challenges. However, approaching it one step at a time allows you to gain control and perspective over your situation. Understand that progress is progress, no matter how small it may seem. The incremental changes you make today can add up to substantial transformation over time.
Celebrate the daily victories, whether adhering to your medication regimen, practicing self-care, or simply getting out of bed on a difficult day. Remember, taking one step at a time doesn’t just apply to your physical health; it’s equally relevant to your mental and emotional well-being.
Dealing with a chronic condition can be emotionally taxing, and it’s crucial to address your mental health with the same measured approach. Seek support when needed, whether through therapy, support groups, or talking to trusted friends and family. Every step you take to prioritize your emotional health is a significant stride toward overall well-being.
Ultimately, the path to wellness, especially when living with autoimmune disease, is not a sprint but a marathon. It’s a continuous journey with its ups and downs. Embrace this long-term perspective and the practice of taking one step at a time. It allows you to build resilience, develop a deeper understanding of your condition, and live a meaningful life at a pace that suits your unique needs.
14. Continuous Learning Fuels the Soul.
In the ever-evolving landscape of life, the key to staying vibrant and relevant is embracing continuous learning and nurturing an insatiable curiosity. The world is a vast repository of knowledge, and constant learning is a dynamic dance with the ever-expanding boundaries of information. It’s a commitment to growth transcending age, circumstance, and experience.
To stay curious is to cultivate a mindset that sees every encounter as an opportunity to glean insights and broaden perspectives. The fuel propels us to ask questions, seek understanding, and approach challenges with a zest for discovery.
In a world where change is the only constant, those who embrace continuous learning and stay curious are the ones who not only navigate the currents of transformation but thrive in its embrace.
15. Gumption: Keep Doing the Hard Things.
Gumption is the compass that steers us through the stormy seas of life, urging us to persist and persevere even when the path ahead seems arduous and uncertain. In pursuing our dreams, embracing the hard things is crucial, even when they appear messy or impossible. Your North Star, that unwavering guide within, continues to shine, casting its light through the challenges that may unfold.
The journey toward your aspirations may not always unfold in a neat, linear trajectory; it’s an intricate tapestry woven with threads of hope and potential. As you navigate the twists and turns, remember that the path’s difficulty doesn’t diminish the brilliance of your North Star.
It’s a reminder that the dream is worth every effort, every stumble, and every leap of faith. So, keep doing the hard things, for it is in the crucible of challenges that the true strength of your aspirations is revealed, and the journey becomes a testament to your resilience and unwavering commitment to your dreams.
Living with a chronic illness like Lupus presents unique challenges, but it also offers opportunities for growth, resilience, and transformation. Over 15 years, I’ve learned valuable lessons that have not only transformed my life but have the potential to inspire positive change in anyone facing adversity.
As you navigate your journey, whether related to chronic illness or any other challenge, remember there is always hope. Embrace the path before you, set your values, and follow your North Star; life will reward you far beyond your wildest dreams.
Thanks for reading to the end 🙂
Dance on, friends, Karin
In remembrance of Kevin Gerard Moder, M.D.
Your diligence, calm bedside manner, and genuine care for your patients saved my life. Thank you for selflessly serving the lupus community and being a bright light in every life you touched. I’ll forever be grateful.
Karin W 
September 22, 2025 
